976 couples who already own a flat qualify for Gedhoruveriyaa scheme

Minister of Construction, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, said that 976 couples who had previously received flats under government housing projects qualify for a flat under the Gedhoruveriyaa scheme.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office yesterday, Minister Muththalib said that the list announced by the previous government included 976 parties where either the husband or the wife had already received a flat under a previous government housing project.

He noted that 645 of these individuals scored 76 marks. Minister Muththalib further explained that although they attempted to find a way to legally disqualify these individuals from receiving an additional flat, they found no law or regulation stating that a family cannot be given a second flat if one spouse already owns a flat.

"I personally do not believe that one family should be given two properties. Therefore, we tried to find a legal way to avoid giving it. We even met and spoke with the Human Rights Commission (HRCM) to see if this matter could be stopped from their angle. However, after the work we did together, we ultimately had to conclude that there is no legal way to deny them the second flat," Muththalib said.

Some flats handed over under the Gedhoruveriyaa scheme have already been advertised for rent. However, under the agreement signed with the recipients, subletting the flats is prohibited. The agreement also specifies that doing so is an action that could lead to the flat being reclaimed.

Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC), which manages the flats provided under the Gedhoruveriyaa scheme, also warned that flats would be seized if they are sublet in violation of the agreement, as these units are intended for those most in need of housing.